This unique opportunity will see Professor Brian Cox visit one lucky school somewhere in the UK and deliver a mind blowing lesson based around the solar system. The interactive and exciting nature of his class is designed to inspire pupils and generate interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
School children aged 11-18 can now enter their school into the draw which will see one UK school picked at random. Teachers can encourage their pupils to put their school forward by visiting http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/thebigbanglesson/. A simple entry mechanic has been set up and all submissions will be entered into a prize draw. The winning school will be contacted on Thursday 28 October with Professor Brian Cox delivering the lesson on 16 November 2010.
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of The Big Bang Education CIC said: “Brian is a fantastic ambassador for science, technology, engineering and maths. His commitment to and passion for science and its application knows no limits; he is a Research Fellow and professor at the University of Manchester, he is working on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, and his involvement in science broadcasting is responsible for bringing science, technology, engineering and maths to a wider audience.
“We’d love teachers to encourage their pupils to enter this rewarding initiative. There is no limit on the number of entries per school, so the more entries submitted the greater the chance teachers will have in getting Brian to visit their school and deliver a once in a lifetime lesson.”
Brian says: "Science, technology, engineering and maths always captured my imagination. They are the subjects that deal with the grandest and most exciting questions: when did the universe begin? What is life and how did it arise? Is mathematics the language of nature? How can we build a spacecraft to journey to other planets and moons and search for alien life? Answering questions like these is profoundly interesting, and for me it has led to a career that has been richly rewarding.
“There is a shortage of STEM graduates in our economy, and there has never been a better time to begin a lifelong career in STEM. I also strongly believe that STEM subjects are tremendously interesting and valuable in their own right, irrespective of whether students want to pursue them to university and beyond. Learning about the universe and how to explore it is education in the purest and most inspiring sense.
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“I'm thrilled to be teaming up with The Big Bang to host my once in a lifetime lesson. I want to persuade young people that they can play a part in answering the grandest questions in the future, and enjoy learning about this fascinating and beautiful universe of ours today.”
Teachers and their pupils already inspired by STEM subjects are also being encouraged to enter classroom projects into the prestigious National Science & Engineering Competition (www.nationalsciencecompetition.org). Open to 11-18 year olds, it is the perfect opportunity to put pupils’ big ideas in the spotlight, with the possibility of achieving top recognition and rewards in the process.
What’s more, the winners will get the chance to meet Brian Professor Brian Cox at the live finals which take place at The Big Bang - one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of science and engineering (ICC London at ExCeL from 10 – 12 March 2011).
Brian says: “As well as putting your school forward for the chance to win a lesson with me, the National Science & Engineering Competition is the perfect chance for your pupils to exhibit a project that they’re proud of. Einstein did all of his best work when he was young – and I know there are plenty of talented young people out there who could give him a run for his money!”
To find out more about The Big Bang 2011, please visit: http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk
